Footwork & Play Tartan Flat Pumps from Modcloth

Bold patterns are definitely one of the trends for this season, including checked, tartan and plaid patterns.  These patterns can be quite difficult to pull off though, without looking like a Highland fling so I'd recommend choosing just one key piece that flaunts the style.

With that in mind, I've found a lovely pair of tartan flat pumps in the Modcloth sale that can be worn with anything, embrace the trend but not go too over the top!  I'd wear them with a single coloured dress, opaque tights and let the shoes do the talking!  They are 30% off in the sale, so are $68.99 (about £42) and come in US sizes 6 to 8.5 (here's Clarks Shoes size and fit guide).

Best of the Sales: Van Mildert

Van Mildert stocks some fantastic, designer brands and so when there's a sale, it's definitely worth having a look!  I was simply perusing and noticed that it sells one of my favourite designers, Vivienne Westwood, and lots of her pieces are in the sale with a hefty discount.

I've put a few of my choice pickings on the new site, but my absolute favourite is this Anglomania Sea Monster tartan pencil skirt.  It's got the plaid trend all sewn up but the zany sea monster, hearts and stars pattern makes it edgy and fun.  And of course, a pencil skirt is always flattering and gorgeous.  Team with killer black heels, a black top and funky jewellery and look amazing.  And to top it off, the skirt is on sale with 40% off its RRP of £249 - it's down to £150.

Delightful Dress: The Style London Women's Classic Tartan Red Skater Dress at Box Clothing

Tartan (or plaid to Americans) is a huge print for AW13 and there are so many fab items in the pattern.  I have found a classic, flattering, pleated skirted skater dress in a simple black and red check, which is simply gorgeous.  It's by designer brand The Style London, available from Box Clothing.  Wear in colder months with tights, boots and a leather jacket for a fab, urban, warm look.

It's £42 but new customers can get 10% off first orders by signing up to Box Clothing's newsletter.

Splendid Skirt: Fearne Cotton Printed Mini Skirt from Very.co.uk

I got an email from Very.co.uk that Fearne Cotton has her new Autumn and Winter range out now and it looks quite nice.  Her collection is described as girlie, with a cool edge, and that's just what one gets!  However, I also noticed that there's a sale on the site, with up to 60% off, and I spotted this fab black, red and cream printed mini skirt from Fearne's (presumably SS13) collection.  I like this skirt particularly as it is chic and modern, but also versatile - it could be worn as a simple every day outfit or I reckon one could get away with it for work!  The pattern's great too, with a hint towards this season's tartan trend without going overboard.  It's a cotton/elastane blend, with a mock wrap front, so should fit and flatter very well.  It's on sale, reduced from £25 to £15 and is still available in sizes 14 to 18.

Delightful Dress: Plaid Pinafore Dresses from Urban Outfitters

Pinafore dresses have been making a bit of a comeback lately.  However, I've steered a bit clear of them as I do worry they look a bit schoolgirl if they are the wrong colour, pattern or styled too young.  The key to looking like a grown up when wearing this, I think, is to layer it with some mature pieces, such as a crisp blouse or some funky accessories and avoid school uniform grey!  Another trend emerging for AW13 is a tartan or plaid pattern and so I have found a couple of lovely pinafores in such a print from Urban Outfitters - I couldn't choose between them so I'm highlighting both!

The first is this red Vintage Renewal plaid pinafore dress, which is £38 and comes in sizes medium and large.  It's got a real Sixties retro look and feel to it, and is fun and playful, without being juvenile.  I like the way they have styled it, with the long-sleeved cotton blouse and I'd team it with some dark tights and Doc Martens for autumn and winter.

The second dress is this Cooperative pinafore dress in Black Watch tartan print.  It's £52 and comes in sizes extra small to large.  Again, it could be styled as the dress above and look great!

Until the end of the month, customers can get 10% off at Urban Outfitters with the code AUGUST10 and for a limited time, delivery is just £1.